Weekend in North Norfolk

So, on Wednesday David rang to say the van was ready, new tyres fitted and also new Al-Ko shock absorbers.  Decided to go somewhere for the weekend, so booked Spring Meadow CL in Banningham not far from Aylsham.  This site is only about 3 miles from where we store our van so no long tow to test the new shockers.  Arrived at the site, well laid out, with hard standings and met by Richard who showed us around.  Set up, cuppa whilst watching the bird life and then did a 4 mile walk direct from the site.  Went along quiet lanes, well maintained footpaths including one path that ran through a wheat field, which the farmer had cut for access.  Stood and watch Yellow Hammers on this section.  Path came out into a lane by Colby church and then another lane back to the village.

Saturday went to Burnham Overy Staithe and walked from the village along the dyke path to the beach.  Lots of bird life including Linnets, Spoonbills, various Warblers etc.  Total distance walked 5 miles.  On the way back to the site we stopped at Cookies Crab shop at Salthouse and brought a large dressed crab, enough for a starter for both of us, lovely.  For those who don’t know it Crabbies is a shack at the south end of the village, it is both a wet fish shop and restaurant.  After dinner did the same walk as previous afternoon.

Sunday decided to go to the Mid Norfolk Railway at Dereham to see the 2 guest steam engines, A4 Pacific 60009 Union of South Africa and K4 – 61994 The Great Marquess.  Just as we got to Dereham the rain came down in stair rods so our stay was brief, just managed to get a couple of snaps.  Decided to return north and called in at one of our favorite places, Heydon a couple of miles from Reepham.  Entering Heydon along the road which is a dead end is like driving back into the 1950’s.  A few houses around the village green, a pub, tea room and a church. The whole village is owned by the Heydon Estate, you can walk around the parkland but dogs must be on leads.  Stopped for a stroll and sandwich then went on to Blickling Hall.  By this time the weather had improved so decided to do the walk which was outlined in July’s CC magazine.  Lovely walk which we extended by a couple of miles so completed about 7 miles.  Returning to Spring Meadows we got ready and then walked to the Banningham Crown where we enjoyed lovely food, great beer and attentive service.